Image display device, storage device, image display system and network setup method

ABSTRACT

An image display system  20  includes a projector PR 1 , a computer PC 1  and a USB memory U 1  which can be connected in an ad-hoc mode by using a wireless LAN. When a user connects the USB memory U 1  to a USB interface  75  of the projector PR 1 , the projector PR 1  writes network setup information in a setup information storage area  144  of the USB memory U 1 . Then, when the user removes the USB memory U 1  from the USB interface  75  and connects it to a USB interface  125  of the computer PC 1 , the computer PC 1  performs network setup by referring to the network setup information and establishes connection to start projection by an automatic start program.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/349,387 filed Jan. 6, 2009, which claims priority fromJapanese Patent Application No. 2008-008398 filed on Jan. 17, 2008, andNo. 2008-306497 filed on Dec. 1, 2008, which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

In recent years, various network-type image display systems have beendeveloped with popularization of network technologies. For example, in anetwork-type projector system, images can be projected by transmittingimage data to an arbitrary projector from another arbitrary deviceconnected to a network, for example, from a terminal.

In the network-type image display system, the setup of networkinformation and connecting operations of devices are complicated, whichwere difficult operations particularly for entry-level users.Accordingly, as a method of reducing difficulty of these operations, forexample, a technique is disclosed (refer to JP-A-2005-184314), in whicha wireless LAN card for the terminal is inserted into a slot of awireless access point to thereby register a MAC address of the wirelessLAN card in the access point information such as an SSID is written inthe wireless LAN card, and the wireless LAN card is inserted into a slotof a terminal to thereby perform network setup between the access pointand the terminal easily. As another example, a configuration isdisclosed (refer to JP-2006-227797), in which a communication devicehaving communication functions is attached to a data projector tothereby read setup of communication of the data projector, and thecommunication device is re-connected to a computer to enabletransmission of images from the computer to the data projector.

However, in the above techniques, devices having communication functionssuch as the wireless LAN card and the communication device are used,therefore, general versatility is low. Additionally, a problem thatfunctions overlap when the computer itself has communication functionshas been pointed out.

SUMMARY

In view of the above, an object to be achieved by the invention is toperform network connection simply while considering general versatilityof devices.

The invention has been made for solving at least part of the aboveproblems, which can be realized as the following embodiments orapplication examples.

APPLICATION EXAMPLE 1

An image display device which can be connected to a network includes anetwork connection unit performing communication through the network, aUSB connection unit to which a USB memory is connected, a writing unitwriting setup information necessary for setup of communication with theimage display device through the network in the USB memory connected tothe USB connection unit so as to be readable from another device whichis different from the image display device and a display unit displayingimages by receiving given image data from the another device which isallowed to perform communication through the network by reading thesetup information and performing setup concerning the network when theUSB memory removed from the image display device is connected to theanother device after the setup information is written.

The image display device having the above configuration writes setupinformation necessary for setup of communication with the image displaydevice through the network so that the information can be read fromanother device which is different from the image display device when theUSB memory is connected to the USB connection unit. Therefore, when thestorage medium is connected to another device, for example, a terminal,which can be connected to the network, and setup of another deviceconcerning the network by using the written setup information isperformed, it is possible to perform communication between anotherdevice and the image display device through the network and to displayimages based on image data received from another device.

APPLICATION EXAMPLE 2

The image display device according to Application Example 1, furtherincludes a determination unit determining whether the connected USBmemory is a dedicated storage medium in which setup informationconcerning the network is written, and the writing unit writes the setupinformation when the determination unit determines that the connectedUSB memory is the dedicated storage medium.

The image display device having the above configuration writes setupinformation when the connected USB memory is a dedicated storage mediumfor writing setup information used for network setup, therefore, it isprevented that setup information is accidentally written when a USBmemory and the like storing image data and the like to be displayed bythe image display device is connected. Here, whether the memory is thededicated storage medium for writing setup information or not can bedetermined by various methods, for example, a method of ApplicationExample 3.

APPLICATION EXAMPLE 3

In the image display device according to Application Example 2, thedetermination unit makes determination based on a folder configurationor a file configuration stored in a storage area included in the USBmemory or identification information stored in the USB memory.

The image display device having the above configuration determineswhether the connected USB memory is a dedicated USB memory used forsetup of the network or not based on the folder configuration, the fileconfiguration (including existence of a specific file) andidentification information included in the USB memory, therefore, it ispossible to make determination simply and positively. As another method,a method of making determination based on a volume configuration,whether a specific name is added to the USB memory and the like can beapplied.

APPLICATION EXAMPLE 4

The image display device according to Application Example 2 furtherincludes a program writing unit writing a program in the USB memory whenthe USB memory does not include the program for reading the setupinformation by the another device from the USB memory.

The above image display device writes the program in the USB memory whenthe program of reading setup information by another device from the USBmemory is not included. Therefore, it is possible to allow anotherdevice to perform appropriate operation even when the necessary programis not included in the USB memory.

APPLICATION EXAMPLE 5

In the image display device according to Application Example 3, theprogram writing unit is a unit writing the program so as to beautomatically executed when the USB memory is connected to the anotherdisplay device.

According to the above image display device, it is possible to write thenecessary program in the USB memory so as to be automatically executedand to increase convenience when the USB memory is connected to anotherdevice. As methods of enabling the automatic execution, methods such asan autorun function of MS-DOS system OS and a start item designation ofMacintosh (trademark) system OS can be used.

APPLICATION EXAMPLE 6

The image display device according to any of Application Examples 1 to 5further includes a detection unit detecting types of available networkswhen the USB memory is connected to the USB connection unit, in whichthe writing unit writes the setup information corresponding to a type ofnetwork to be preferentially used based on a detection result by thedetection unit.

The image processing device having the above configuration detects typesof available networks and writes setup information corresponding to thetype of network which is preferentially used based on the detection.Therefore, even when there are plural types of available networks, it ispossible to write accurate setup information in the USB memory based onthe order of priority. The determination of priority use can be made by,for example, storing the order of priority in a setup file in advanceand referring to the setup file.

APPLICATION EXAMPLE 7

In the types of networks, a wireless-LAN type and a wired-LAN type canbe included. Therefore, the image display device can write setupinformation of the wireless LAN and the wired LAN in the USB memorybased on the order of priority.

APPLICATION EXAMPLE 8

In the image display device according to Application Example 7, when theimage display device includes setup information concerning the wirelessLAN and the wired LAN, the writing unit can write both setup informationin the USB memory. Both setup information is written, thereby takingaction when either LAN is used.

APPLICATION EXAMPLE 9

In the image display device according to any of Application Examples 1to 8, the image display device is a network-type projector, and thedisplay unit is a unit projecting images on a given projection screen.

The above image display device can be realized as a network-typeprojector. It can be realized also as a network-type monitor or TV. Asanother device, various devices such as a computer, a handy terminal, adigital camera, a digital video camera, a cellular phone and the likecan be used through Application 1 to Application 9. This is the same asin the following configurations.

APPLICATION EXAMPLE 10

A USB memory connected to a USB which is a general-purpose data busincludes a unit storing setup information in a prescribed area, which isnecessary for setup of communication with an image display devicethrough a network, when connected to the image display device connectedto the network and performing image display, a unit automaticallystarting a first program stored in advance when connected to anotherdevice which makes the image display device display images and a unitexecuting a second program in the another device, which makes the imagedisplay device display images from the another device, after performingsetup concerning the network in the another device so that the anotherdevice can be connected to the image display device by using the setupinformation stored in the storage area by the first program.

The USB memory having the above configuration starts the first programperforming setup concerning the network and the second program makingthe image display device display images. Therefore, it is possible toperform network setup and image display simply without troubling theuser.

APPLICATION EXAMPLE 11

In the USB memory according to Application Example 10, the first programincludes a program of determining whether the second program isinstalled in the another device, and when the second program is notinstalled, allowing the another device to carry out functions ofexecuting installation of the second program and starting the installedsecond program.

The USB memory having the configuration performs installation when thesecond program is not installed in another device to realize thefunction of the second program. Therefore, even when an image isdisplayed by the image display device by using another device for thefirst time, or when it is impossible to execute the second program onthe USB memory directly, it is possible to perform network setup andimage display simply without troubling the user.

The invention can be also realized as an image display system shown inApplication Example 12 and a network connection method shown inApplication Example 15.

APPLICATION EXAMPLE 12

An image display system includes an image display device connected to anetwork, another device which is different from the image display deviceand a USB memory including prescribed identification information, inwhich the image display device has a network connection unit connectingto a network so that communication is possible, a USB connection unit towhich the USB memory is connected so as to be detachable, a writing unitwriting setup information which is necessary for setup of communicationwith the image display device through the network when it is determinedthat the USB memory connected to the USB connection unit has theprescribed identification information, and a display unit displayingimages by receiving given image data from the another device, and inwhich the another device has a general-purpose USB connection unit towhich a general-purpose USB memory can be connected, a network setupunit performing setup for enabling communication with the image displaydevice through the network by using the setup information stored in theUSB memory when the USB memory in which the setup information is writtenis connected to the general-purpose USB connection unit, and atransmission unit transmitting the given image data to the image displaydevice through the network the setup of which is performed.

In the above image display system, the following application examplescan be considered.

APPLICATION EXAMPLE 13

In the image display system according to Application Example 12, the USBmemory includes a unit executing a prescribed program in the anotherdevice when the USB memory is connected to the another device,determining whether there exists a program realizing the network setupunit in the another device and installing the program from the USBmemory so as to be executed in the another device when there does notexist the program.

APPLICATION EXAMPLE 14

In the image display system according to Application Example 12 or 13,the transmission unit in the another device captures an image displayedon a display unit included in the another device at a predeterminedinterval and transmits the captured images to the image display device.

APPLICATION EXAMPLE 15

A network setup method performing setup of communication between animage display device connected to a network and another device which isdifferent from the image display device includes the steps of connectinga USB memory having prescribed identification information to a USB portof the image display device, storing setup information necessary forsetup of communication with the image processing device through thenetwork in the USB memory when the USB memory connected to the USB portincludes the identification information and performing setup processingto enable communication between the another device and the imageprocessing device through the network by performing setup in the anotherdevice, which uses the setup information stored in the USB memory whenthe USB memory storing the setup information is connected to the anotherdevice.

APPLICATION EXAMPLE 16

The network setup method according to Application Example 15 furtherincludes the steps of determining whether there exists a programperforming the setup processing in the another device when the USBmemory is connected to the another device and installing the program inthe another device when it is determined that the program does notexist.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present disclosurewill be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, whereinlike reference numbers reference like elements.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory view showing a schematic configuration of animage display system 20 according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of aprojector PR1.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of acomputer PC1.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of aUSB memory U1.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory chart showing the flow of connectingprocessing.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory chart showing the flow of connectingprocessing.

FIG. 7 is a system configuration view of a second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing processing in a projector PR3 according tothe second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory view showing an example of setup information tobe written in a USB memory U3 in the second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing setup processing executed by a computerPC3 in the second embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing processing for display to be resident inthe computer PC3 and executed repeatedly in the second embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS First Embodiment

A first embodiment of the invention will be explained.

A. Configuration of Image Display System A-1. Schematic Configuration ofImage Display System 20

A configuration of an image display system 20 according to theembodiment will be shown in FIG. 1. The image display system 20 is animage display system capable of displaying given images by using anetwork-type projector, which is configured by connecting computers PC1,PC3 as other devices (which function as terminals with respect toprojectors PR1, PR2) and projectors PR1, PR2 as image display devices bya prescribed network. In the embodiment, the computers PC1, PC2 and theprojectors PR1, PR2 are connected by a wireless LAN respectively, andcommunication is possible in an ad-hoc mode, not through an accesspoint.

The projector PR1 or PR2 establishes connection with the computer PC1 orthe computer PC2, which can receive image data and display images onscreens SC1, SC2. Additionally, USB memories U1, U2 which are used fornetwork setup are respectively attached to the projectors PR1, PR2.Specific usage of the USB memories U1, U2 will be described later.

The communication method between the computers PC1, PC2 and theprojectors PR1, PR2 are not limited to the above form and variousmethods can be set up according to use environment, requiredcommunication speed and the like. For example, the computers PC1, PC2may communicate with the projectors PR1, PR2 in the infrastructure modethrough an access point. It is also preferable to perform communicationin wired methods and the like, not limited to wireless methods, whichuse, for example, Ethernet (registered trademark), FireWire (registeredtrademark), Fibre Channel, SCSI, Bluetooth (registered trademark), PLC(Power Line Communications) and the like.

A-2. Schematic Configuration of Projector PR1

A schematic configuration of the projector PR1 included in the imagedisplay system 20 is shown in FIG. 2. Since the projector PR2 has thesame configuration as the projector PR1, its explanation is omitted. Asshown in the drawing, the projector PR1 includes a CPU 30, a ROM 36, aRAM 38, an EEPROM 40, an input mechanism 51, a VRAM 61, a graphiccontroller 63, a wireless interface 71, a network interface 73 and a USBinterface 75, which are connected to one another by a bus.

The CPU 30 controls the whole function of the projector PR1 by openingprograms stored in the ROM 36 in the RAM 38 and executing them, andfunctions as a determination unit 31, a detection unit 32, aninformation writing unit 33 and a connection unit 34. The details of thefunction units will be described later.

The EEPROM 40 is a non-volatile memory which can be rewritten, in whicha SSID (Service Set Identifier) 41, a projector name 42 and a MACaddress 43 as default values are stored when the projector PR1 isshipped. The input mechanism 51 includes a keyboard and a display as aUI.

The graphic controller 63 projects images on a projection unit 65 byusing a VRAM 61 as a buffer. The projection unit 65 includes aliquid-crystal type projection mechanism, displaying images on thescreen SC1 by projecting light transmitted through a liquid crystalpanel for respective colors of RGB. The liquid-crystal type is used inthe present embodiment, however, it is not limited to this type, andvarious types such as a CRT type, a DLP type, an LCOS type, and a GLVtype can be used.

The wireless interface 71 is an interface for performing wirelesscommunication in the ad-hoc mode, which is capable of performing apeer-to-peer connection with the computer PC1 or the computer PC2. Thenetwork interface 73 is an interface used when the projector PR1 isconnected to a wired-method local area network. A USB interface 75 is aUSB connector of the host side, to which the USB memory U1 can beconnected.

A-3. Schematic Configuration of Computers PC1, PC2

A schematic configuration of the computer PC1 included in the imagedisplay system 20 is shown in FIG. 3. Since the computer PC2 has thesame configuration as the computer PC1, its explanation is omitted. Asshown in the drawing, the computer PC1 includes a CPU 80, a hard discdrive 85, a ROM 86, a RAM 88, an input mechanism 91, a VRAM 101, agraphic controller 103, a display 107, a wireless interface 111, anetwork interface 113 and a USB interface 115, which are connected toone another by a bus.

The CPU 80 controls the computer PC1 by opening firmware and OS storedin the hard disc drive 85 and the ROM 86 in the RAM 88 and executingthem. The CPU 80 also functions as a connection unit 81 and an imagetransmission unit 82 by executing programs stored in the hard disc drive85. The details of the function units will be described later.

The input mechanism 91 includes a keyboard and a pointing device (amouse, in this case). The graphic controller 103 displays images to bedisplayed on the display 107 by using the VRAM 101 as a buffer.

The wireless interface 111 is an interface for performing wirelesscommunication in the ad-hoc mode, which is capable of performingpeer-to-peer connection with the projectors PR1, PR2 or the computerPC2. The network interface 113 is an interface used when the computerPC1 is connected to a wired-method local area network. The USB interface115 is a USB connector of the host side, to which the USB memory U1 canbe connected.

A mechanism in which, when a CD-ROM is inserted into a not-shown CD-ROMdrive, a prescribed script file on the CD-ROM is executed, that is, aso-called autorun function is provided in the computer PC1 as astandard.

A-4. Schematic Configuration of USB Memory U1

The USB memory U1 included in the image display system 20 is a USBmemory used for setup of network connection between the projector PR1and the computer PC1, whose schematic configuration is shown in FIG. 4.Since the USB memory U2 has the same configuration as the USB memory U1,its explanation is omitted. As shown in the drawing, the USB memory U1includes a USB interface 125, a CPU 130 and a flash memory 140, whichare connected to one another by a bus.

The USB interface 125 is a USB connector of the device side, which canbe connected to the USB interface 75 of the projector PR1 and the USBinterface 115 of the computer PC1.

The flash memory 140 is a non-volatile memory which can be rewritten,including a system area 142, a CD-ROM area 143, a setup informationstorage area 144 and a data storage area 146. The system area 142 storesfiles concerning functional control of the USB memory U1 such as filesystem information and partition information, and identificationinformation of the USB memory U1 such as a product ID and a vendor ID.

The CD-ROM area 143 stores an automatic start script S for allowing theCPU 80 of the computer PC1 to recognize that the CD-ROM is inserted whenthe USB memory U1 is connected to the USB interface 115 of the computerPC1 to perform automatic start. The CD-ROM area 143 stores an automaticstart program P1. The automatic start program P1 is a program in whichexecution is designated in the automatic start script, and the detailsof which will be described later.

The setup information storage area 144 is an area storing informationnecessary for the network setup for establishing connection between theprojector PR1 and the computer PC1 in the ad-hoc mode.

The data storage area 146 is an area which can store desired data files,for example, desired image files. Since the USB memory U1 includes thisarea, the USB memory U1 can be used as a common USB memory which storesdesired files such as conference material, presentation material, inaddition to the application for network connection which will bedescribed later.

B. Connection/Projection Processing

Connection/projection processing in the image display system 20 isexplained with reference to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6. The connection/projectionprocessing is processing for establishing connection by performingnetwork setup in the ad-hoc mode between the projector PR1 and thecomputer PC1 which are optionally selected by simple operation and forprojecting images selected by the computer PC1 on the projector PR1. Asshown in the drawing, the processing is started by a user connecting theUSB memory U1 to the USB interface 75 of the projector PR1 (Operation0310).

When the USB memory U1 is connected, the CPU 30 of the projector PR1determines whether the connected USB memory U1 is a prescribed USBmemory for network setup or not (Step S210) as processing of thedetermination unit 31.

Specifically, the determination is made by determining whether aspecific folder configuration exists in the flash memory 140 or not. Forexample, in the case that a “system” folder is formed for the systemarea 142 and a “GUID” folder exists under the folder, it is determinedthat the connected USB memory U1 is the prescribed USB memory fornetwork setup. It is possible to make determination simply andpositively by the above determination method.

The determination method of the USB memory is not limited to the abovepattern but may be made by various methods such as a file configuration(including determination whether a specific file exists), identificationinformation, a volume configuration and whether a specific name is givento a storage medium, in addition to the folder configuration. Forexample, when the “system” folder is formed for the system area 142 andan “AAA.dat” file exists in the system area 142, or when a prescribedproduct ID or a vendor ID exists in the system area 142, it can bedetermined that the connected USB memory U1 is a prescribed USB memoryfor network setup.

As a result, when it is determined that the connected USB memory U1 isthe prescribed USB memory for network setup (YES: Step S210), the CPU 30detects an available network as processing of the detection unit 32(Step S220). In the embodiment, when it is determined that the connectedUSB memory U1 is the prescribed USB memory for network setup as theresult (YES: Step S210), the CPU 30 detects an available network asprocessing of the detection unit 32 (Step S220). In the embodiment, thedetection is performed based on whether a prescribed communicationdriver is installed in the projector PR1 or not, however, other methodscan be used such as a configuration of detecting a network in which thecommunication driver is installed by actually performing communicationwith the network.

Then, the CPU 30 writes network setup information corresponding to thedetected network in the setup information storage area 144 of the USBmemory U1 as processing of the information writing unit 33 (Steps S230,S320). In the embodiment, the wireless LAN network in the ad-hoc mode isdetected as the available network in Step S220. Then, the CPU 30 writesthe SSID 41, the projector name 42 and the MAC address 43 in the setupinformation storage area 144 by referring to the EEPROM 40 of theprojector PR1 in Step S230. The projector name 42 is written byconsidering convenience of the user, which is not essential. The solididentification information for identifying the other party ofcommunication is not limited to the projector name 42 or the MAC address43, and may be identification information which is uniquely fixed, forexample, an IP address and the like.

In the Step S220, when plural types of available networks are detected,it is preferable that a setup file which stores the order of priority oftypes of assumed networks is stored in the EEPROM 40 in advance, andnetwork setup information corresponding to a network having the highestorder of priority in the detected networks is written by referring tothe setup file. In this way, even when there are plural availablenetworks, accurate network setup information can be written withouttroubling the user. The above setup file may be the one which can bechanged by the user as a matter of course.

As types of networks, the above various wired methods can be consideredin addition to the wireless LAN. Additionally, the order of priority isnot limited to the previous setting but, for example, it is preferableto apply a configuration in which types of the detected networks aredisplayed on the display of the input mechanism 51 and selectioninstruction by the user is received by the input mechanism 51 to writenetwork setup information corresponding to the selected network.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the connected USB memoryU1 is not the prescribed USB memory for network setup (NO: Step S210),connection/projection processing ends.

When the network setup information is written in the USB memory U1 asdescribed above, the user removes the USB memory U1 from the USBinterface 75 of the projector PR1 and connects the USB memory U1 to theUSB interface 115 of the computer PC1 (operation 0330).

When the USB memory U1 is connected, the CPU 80 of the computer PC1automatically starts the automatic start program P1 of the USB memory U1(Step S410). Specifically, the CPU 80 recognizes that the USB memory U1is connected as the insertion of a CD-ROM by receiving a recognitioncontrol signal from the CPU 130 of the USB memory U1. Then, the CPU 80executes the automatic start script S stored in the CD-ROM area 143 ofthe USB memory U1. Since execution of the automatic start program P1 isdesignated in the automatic start script S, the automatic start program.P1 starts automatically by the connection of the USB memory U1. Theautomatic start program P1 is a program for executing processing ofSteps S420 to S440 which will be described later. In the embodiment,pseudo-recognition as the CD-ROM by the CPU 80 realizes the autorunfunction of the USB memory U1, however, it is not limited to this andsome other methods corresponding to the autorun function included in thecomputer PC1 may be applied.

When the automatic start program P1 starts automatically, the CPU 80determines whether a setup/projection program P2 is installed in thecomputer PC1 for performing network setup necessary for connectionbetween the computer PC1 and the projector PR1 and for projecting imagesby the projector PR1 based on the automatic start program P1 (StepS420). As a result, when the program P2 is not installed, it isimpossible to perform the projection by the projector PR1 in the presentstate, therefore, the installation of the setup/projection program P2 isexecuted (Step S430).

On the other hand, when the setup/projection program P2 is installed inthe computer PC1, it is not necessary to perform installation again,therefore, the process proceeds to Step S440 which will be describedlater.

After the installation of the setup/projection program P2 is executed,the CPU 80 starts the setup/projection program P2 (Step S440),performing network setup by storing network setup information stored inthe setup information storage area 144 of the USB memory U1 in the harddisc drive 85 (Step S450). Then, the CPU 80 makes a connection requestto the projector PR1 by the wireless interface 111 as processing of theconnection unit 81 (Step S460).

On the other hand, the CPU 30 of the projector PR1 determines whetherthe connection request has been made from the computer PC1 or not asprocessing of the connection unit 34 (Step S240), after writing networksetup information in Step S230. When a valid connection request isreceived (YES: Step S240), the CPU 30 performs connection permission asprocessing of the connection unit 34 (Step S250). In this way,connection relationship in the ad-hoc mode is established between thecomputer PC1 and the projector PR1.

When the connection is established, the CPU 80 of the computer PC1transmits data D of images desired by the user (in this case, imagesdisplayed on the display 107 of the computer PC1) to the projector PR1as processing of the image transmission unit 82 (Step S470).

Accordingly, when the image data D is transmitted, the projector PR1receives the image data D and projects images of the image data D on thescreen SC1 by using the projection unit 65 (Step S260). Accordingly, theconnection/processing processing ends.

In the image display system 20 having the above configuration, theprojector PR1 writes network setup information in the setup informationstorage area 144 of the USB memory U1 when the user connects the USBmemory U1 to the USB interface 75 of the projector PR1. After that, whenthe user removes the USB memory U1 from the USB interface 75 andconnects it to the USB interface 125 of the computer PC1, the computerPC1 performs network setup by referring to the network setupinformation. Therefore, the user can perform network setup between thecomputer PC1 and the projector PR1 easily to establish the connectionand can display images based on image data received from the computerPC1. Since the USB memory is used as a storage medium, generalversatility with respect to connection performance to various devices ishigh.

Additionally, in the image display system 20 having the aboveconfiguration, the projector PR1 determines whether the connected USBmemory U1 is the prescribed USB memory for network setup, and writesnetwork setup information in the setup information storage area 144 ofthe USB memory U1 only when it is determined that the connected USBmemory U1 is the prescribed USB memory for network setup. Therefore, itis prevented that network setup information is accidentally written whenthe USB memory and the like storing image data of images which aredesired to be projected by the projector are connected.

Also in the image display system 20 having the above configuration, theUSB memory U1 has the autorun function, and the automatic start programP1 starts automatically when connected to the USB interface 125 of thecomputer PC1. When the automatic start program P1 is executed, whetherthe setup/projection program P2 which realizes the function ofperforming network setup and the function of displaying images on theprojector PR1 has been installed in the computer PC1 or not isdetermined, and in the case that the installation has not beenperformed, installation is performed to realize the above functions.Therefore, even when images are displayed by the projector PR1 by usingthe computer PC1 for the first time, it is possible to perform networksetup and image display simply without troubling the user.

Moreover, since the USB memory U1 includes the data storage area 146, itcan be used for normal use applications such that image data to beprojected by the projector PR1 is stored. Additionally, since the setupinformation storage area 144 and the data storage area 146 are managedseparately in the flash memory 140, it is possible to manage storedimage data and the like and network setup information correctly.

Second Embodiment

Next, a second embodiment of the invention will be explained. Aprojector PR3 used in the second embodiment has the same function as theprojectors PR1, PR2 used in the first embodiment, however, differs fromthe first embodiment in a point that a function of a wired LAN isincluded. The projector PR3 is capable of performing communication inthe infrastructure mode in accordance with a so-called 10BASE-T standardin the wired LAN, in addition to the communication in the ad-hoc modethrough the wireless LAN explained in the first embodiment. In thiscase, the projector PR3 has an IP address and can communicate withanother device also having an IP address by a TCP/IP protocol toexchange various information. The projector PR3 and a computer PC3 areconnected to a network NT3 through the network I/F 73, 113 shown in FIG.2 and FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 is a schematic configuration view of an image display system 200according to the second embodiment. The system 200 includes theprojector PR3 as the image display device described above, the computerPC3 as another device connected to the network NT3 by the wired LAN, anotebook computer PC4 connected to the projector by the wireless LAN andthe like. Each of the projector PR3, the computer PC3 and the notebookcomputer PC4 has a USB port, in which Windows-system OS operates.Therefore, when a CD-ROM or the USB memory including a partition inaccordance with a standard of the CD-ROM is attached, the computer PC3and the notebook computer PC4 can automatically execute start itemsstored in the CD-ROM or the USB memory. In the embodiment, a dedicatedUSB memory U3 which stores a file of a specific name previously fixed asidentification information is used. The partition regarded as the CD-ROMis formed inside, in which a specific program automatically started atthe time of recognition is stored. The internal configuration of the USBmemory U3 is the same as the USB memory in the first embodiment.

Next, processing performed by the projector PR3 when the USB memory isattached to a USB port will be explained. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showinga setup saving processing routine executed by the projector PR3 when theUSB memory is attached to the USB port. The processing is executed afterthe USB memory is attached to the USB port and the USB memory is mountedby the function of OS. When the processing is started, the CPU (numeral30, FIG. 2) of the projector PR3 performs processing of reading a filehaving a specific file name from the USB memory (Step S510) anddetermines whether there exists the file having the specific file nameor not (Step S520). The file having the specific file name exists whenthe USB memory is the dedicated USB memory U3, therefore, the projectorPR3 succeeds in reading the file and determines that there exists thefile. This corresponds to the determination whether the USB memory hasspecific identification information or not. It is also preferable, as amatter of course, to determine whether the USB memory is the dedicatedUSB memory U3 or not by embedding prescribed identification informationof a specific area other than the file system, instead of the processingof determining the existence of the file having the specific file name.

When the attached USB memory is not the dedicated USB memory U3, noprocessing is done and the process shown in FIG. 8 ends. On the otherhand, when it is determined that the attached USB memory is thededicated USB memory U3, subsequently, whether a specific program isstored in the USB memory U3 or not is checked (Step S530). The specificprogram is a program which will be necessary when the USB memory U3 isattached to the computers PC3, PC4 and the like after the USB memory U3is attached to the projector PR3. Hereinafter, the program is referredto as an “image display setup program”. Whether there exists the imagedisplay setup program or not is determined (Step S540), and when theimage display setup program does not exist, processing of copying theimage display setup program stored in the ROM 36 in the projector PR3 tothe dedicated USB memory U3 is performed (Step S550).

After that, the projector PR3 writes information concerning setup of thewired LAN of itself in the dedicated USB memory U3 as a file (StepS560), and further, writes information concerning setup of the wirelessLAN of itself in the dedicated USB memory U3 as another file (StepS570). Information written in the dedicated USB memory U3 is shown inFIG. 9A and FIG. 9B. In the example, setup information concerning thewired LAN is saved as a file name “ManualStart” as shown in FIG. 9A. Onthe other hand, setup information concerning the wireless LAN is savedas a file name “Fast Start” as shown in FIG. 9B. The former stores an IPaddress, a projector name and a MAC address as setup information forcommunication in the wired LAN. The latter stores a SSID, a projectorname and a MAC address as setup information for communication in thewireless LAN.

After the above processing, the projector PR3 performs processing ofunmounting the USB memory U3 and allowing the USB memory U3 to beremovable (Step S580). Generally, in the OS which applies a managementsystem managing files by using a file allocation table and the like, thedevice is managed in the mounted state, and a discretionary removal ofthe device by the user is prohibited while performing reading andwriting of data by the file management system for maintainingconsistency of the contents stored in the storage device. Accordingly,when the dedicated USB memory U3 is attached, the state in which theuser can physically remove the USB memory U3 from the projector PR3 atany time is kept by unmounting the USB memory U3 immediately after thestorage of necessary information (Steps S560, S570) is completed.

After the above processing is performed, the projector PR3 displays amessage (Step S590), escaping to “NEXT” to end the present processingroutine. In the embodiment, the projector PR3 displays a message whichsays “Remove the USB memory U3 and attach the memory to a computer whichis going to display images”. Accordingly, the timing when the removal ofthe USB memory U3 is permissible can be easily known, and further, anext action is promoted, therefore, effective setup work can beperformed. The message can be displayed just as the presentation ofinformation, merely saying “Necessary setup information has beenstored”. It is also preferable that the message is projected on a screenSC3 from the projector PR3, or that the message is displayed on adisplay such as a liquid-crystal panel provided at an operation panel ofthe projector PR3. As a matter of course, such display is not alwaysnecessary.

The user removes the USB memory U3 from the USB port in accordance withthe message and attaches it to the USB port of the computer PC3 or thenotebook computer PC4. At this time, as a function of OS mounted on thecomputer PC3, first, processing of determining the type of deviceattached to the USB port and mounting the device is performed. When thedevice is mounted, the area partitioned at part of the USB memory U3 isrecognized as the CD-ROM including an automatic execution program,therefore, a program having the specific name (for example,autoexec.bat) stored in the area is automatically started. Theprocessing by the automatic execution program is shown in a flowchart ofFIG. 10.

When the processing shown in FIG. 10 is started, the CPU (numeral 80,FIG. 6) of the computer PC4, first, determines whether the program to beexecuted now is already stored in the computer PC4 or not (Step S610).The program to be executed includes a specific registry, which is storedin a specific folder as a prescribed program name. Therefore, it is easyto determine whether there exists the program or not. The program is theabove-mentioned “image display setup program”.

When the image display setup program does not exist, the CPU 80 performsprocessing of copying the image display setup program stored in the USBmemory U3 attached to the USB port in the computer PC3 and installingthe program so as to be available (Step S620). After the aboveprocessing, the CPU 80 gives processing of itself to the installed imagedisplay setup program (after Step S630 in FIG. 10), however, theprocessing of these is shown in FIG. 10 as a series of processing.

When the image display setup program (after Step S630) is started,first, whether setup information of the wired LAN is stored in the USBmemory U3 or not is determined (Step S630), and when the information isstored, processing of reading setup information and searching the otherparty of communication based on the setup information is performed (StepS640). Specifically, in order to perform communication in the wired LANin the infrastructure mode, a packet to which the IP address (refer toFIG. 9A) included in setup information is added is sent to the networkNT 3 to request a response.

Subsequently, whether there is a response from the projector PR3 to bethe other party for image display or not is determined (Step S650), andwhen there is the response, the process proceeds to Step S700 andconnection to the projector PR3 is performed. The connection processingwill be described later. On the other hand, when the response is notobtained by the search based on setup information of the wired LAN, orwhen it is determined that setup information of the wired LAN is notstored in the USB memory U3 in Step S630, the CPU 80 of the computer PCdetermines whether setup information of the wireless LAN is stored inthe USB memory U3 or not (Step S660). When the setup information of thewireless LAN is stored, processing of reading the setup information andsearching the other party of communication based on the setupinformation is performed (Step S670). Specifically, in order to performcommunication in the wireless LAN in the ad-hoc mode, a packet to whichthe SSID (refer to FIG. 9B) included in setup information is added issent to request a response.

Subsequently, whether there is a response from the projector PR3 to bethe other party for image display is determined (Step S680), and whenthere is the response, the process proceeds to Step S700 and theconnection to the projector PR3 is performed. When there is not theresponse, or when it is determined that setup information of thewireless LAN is not stored in Step S660, it is impossible to performsetup for image display by the USB memory U3 attached to the USB port,therefore, error processing (Step S690) is performed. The errorprocessing is processing of displaying a message which says “Setupfailed. Start setup from attaching the USB memory to the projector onceagain.” on a screen of the computer PC and unmounting the USB memory U3.As a matter of course, it is preferable to inform the generation of anerror by voice or beep sound.

When the projector PR3 normally responds by the setup of communicationin the wired LAN or the wireless LAN, it is determined that thesearching succeeded (Steps S650 or S680) and connection processing tothe projector PR3 is performed (Step S700). The connection processing isstarted by installing a program shown in FIG. 11 in the computer PC3.The program shown in FIG. 11 is a resident program, which is startedrepeatedly approximately every 30msec by using an internal timer.Continuously, the image display program shown in FIG. 11 will beexplained.

The image display program shown in FIG. 11 is started approximatelyevery 30msec when installed, and first, performs processing of capturingan image displayed on the display of the computer PC3 at that time (StepS810). The capture of the screen is performed by using standardfunctions such as Windows (trademark). It is preferable that the captureof the screen is performed with respect to the whole screen of thedisplay 107 of the computer PC3, or with respect to a window managed bya specific application program (for example, an application programwhich is active at present). As a matter of course, it is also possibleto capture only the display of a window managed by an applicationprogram executed at the background when the application program can bespecified.

Subsequently, processing of transmitting the captured image to theprojector PR3 is performed (Step S820). The transmission of the image isperformed by the infrastructure mode when connected by the wired LAN andis performed by the ad-hoc mode when connected by the wireless LAN,respectively. The projector PR3 projects the image received through thewired or wireless LAN.

The second embodiment has been explained as the above. In the imagedisplay system 200 according to the embodiment, information necessaryfor setup is stored according to the type of communication functionincluded in the projector PR3. Specifically, setup information of thewired LAN and the wireless LAN is both stored in the USB memory U3, andwhether communication is possible or not is searched in the side of thecomputer PC3 by using setup information in the order from the wired LANto the wireless LAN. Therefore, it is possible to easily configure theimage display system when performing connection by either method.Additionally, since the wired LAN is preferentially used to performsetup when it can be used, image display by the projector PR3 can beperformed rapidly and positively. Further, in the embodiment, if thereis not the image display setup program in the USB memory U3 when the USBmemory U3 is attached to the projector PR3, the program is copied fromthe projector PR3 to the USB memory U3 to be installed, therefore, it ispossible to perform setup to the computer PC3 even when the imagedisplay setup program is not stored in the USB memory U3.

Furthermore, in the case that a necessary program is not installed inthe computer PC3 or the notebook computer PC4 which makes the projectorPR3 perform image display, the program is automatically loaded into thecomputer side from the USB memory U3, therefore, it is possible to savethe user's trouble of installing programs each time. Though the imagedisplay setup program is installed in the computers side to be executedin the present embodiment, it is also preferable that the program isdirectly loaded from the USB memory U3 into a main storage of thecomputer to be executed. Also, in the embodiment, the method in which ascreen or a window is captured and transmitted to the projector PR at aprescribed interval is applied for the transmission of images from thecomputer, therefore, the images displayed on the display of the computercan be displayed by the projector PR3 not depending on the applicationprogram executed by the computer. As a matter of course, it is alsopossible to display images by the projector PR3 in conjunction with aprogram created in accordance with an API fixed for image display.

Though the interval of capture is approximately 30 msec in theembodiment, it is possible to comply with the request of normal imagedisplay when approximately over ten images can be transmitted in asecond. Needless to say, it is possible to further shorten the intervalof capture and perform transmission in a state in which moving imagesand the like can be displayed smoothly. It is also possible to changethe interval between capture and transmission in the case of connectionby the wired LAN and the case of connection by the wireless LAN.Generally, images can be updated at high speed by the wired LAN as theband is wider in the wired LAN, however, it is preferable that thebandwidth after connection is measured and the number of images to betransmitted in a second and the interval of transmission are determinedaccording to the transmission ability both in the wired LAN and thewireless LAN.

MODIFICATION EXAMPLES

Modification examples of the above embodiments will be explained.

C-1. Modification Example 1

In the first embodiment, the configuration of performing networkconnection in the ad-hoc mode using the wireless LAN is shown, however,the connection state is not limited to this. For example, it is alsopossible to perform connection in the infrastructure mode using thewireless LAN. In this case, the connection processing which is the sameas the embodiment may be performed after performing network setup of theaccess point, the computer PC1 and the projector PR1. It is alsopreferable that connection processing is performed after performingnetwork setup such as the IP address by using only the wired LAN.

In the above cases, as network setup information to be written in StepS230 of the first embodiment, for example, an identifier which can beuniquely identified such as an IP address, a projector name and the likeof the projector PR1 can be used. In this way, it is not necessary todesignate the projector PR1 to be connected on the computer PC1.Therefore, it is possible to simplify the operation for entry-levelusers.

C-2. Modification Example 2

It is not necessary to provide all respective processes in the first andsecond embodiments, and unnecessary processes can be omitted accordingto need. For example, the processing of Steps S210 or S220 shown in FIG.5 or the processing of Step S510 shown in FIG. 8 can be omitted. Whenboth of Steps S210, S220 or Step S510 is omitted, a configuration inwhich an instruction of writing permission is received from the userbefore executing the processing of S230 or a configuration in which aninstruction of network setup permission is received from the user beforethe operation 0310 can be applied. In this way, it is prevented thatnetwork setup information is accidentally written in the USB memorywhich stores image files and the like as in the embodiment.

Additionally, S410 to S440 shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, and Steps S610and S620 shown in FIG. 10 can be also omitted in the same manner.According to the above, though the user have to perform startup orinstallation of the program manually, it is possible to performconnection/projection processing shown in the embodiment by using ageneral-purpose USB memory. Additionally, a configuration in which partof processing of S410 to S440 is omitted can be applied. For example, aconfiguration in which only Step S440 is omitted and thesetup/projection program P2 is started by manual operation by the usercan be applied. In the case that the setup/configuration program P2 canbe directly executed on the storage medium, Step S420 and Step S430 canbe omitted.

C-3. Modification Example 3

In the first embodiment, the configuration in which only the informationnecessary for network setup is written as network setup information inStep S230 shown in FIG. 5 is shown, however, it is not limited to theconfiguration, and a configuration in which additional information isalso written and obtained information is set to the computer PC1 can beapplied. For example, a WEP key used for encryption of communicationdata may be written as additional information. In this way, furtherefficient setup can be realized.

C-4. Modification Example 4

In the embodiment, the USB memory including the flash memory is used asthe storage medium which performs exchange of network setup informationbetween the projector PR1 and the computer PC1, however, it is notlimited to the configuration and various storage media can be used. Forexample, various storage media such as a flexible disc drive, a CD-ROMdrive, a DVD-ROM drive, a magneto-optic disc drive, a hard disc drivehaving the USB connector can be used instead of the above USB memory.Also in this way, high versatility can be obtained. It goes withoutsaying that the connection method is not limited to the USB connector,and for example, a connection can be performed by inserting a PC card, aSD card, a compact flash card and the like into dedicated slots.

C-5. Modification Example 5

In the first embodiment, the projector PR1 including programs which canexecute processing of Steps S210 to S230 shown in FIG. 5 is shown,however, it is possible to apply a configuration in which these programsare previously stored in the USB memory U1 and installed in theprojector PR1 by automatic start in the same manner as Step S410. Inthis way, it is possible to perform connection/projection processingshown in the embodiment by using a general-purpose projector.

C-6. Modification Example 6

In the second embodiment, the transmission of images is performed bycapturing a screen of the computer PC and transmitting images at aprescribed interval, however, it is preferable to apply a configurationin which whether the dedicated USB memory U3 is attached to the USB portor not is determined before the processing of Step S810 of FIG. 11, andwhen the dedicated USB memory U3 is attached, capturing and transmissionof the screen (Steps S810, S820) are performed, and when the dedicatedUSB memory is not attached, the program which executes the image displayroutine shown in FIG. 11 is ended. At this time, in the case that it isthe resident program, the program may be also deleted from the registryand the like and resident may be cancelled, in addition to the end ofthe processing of the program. In the case of the application of theconfiguration, images can be transmitted from the computer PC3 to theprojector PR3 only while the dedicated USB memory U3 is attached to theUSB port. When such configuration is applied, it is desirable that theUSB memory U3 is unmounted on the file management system at the timewhen installation of the program in FIG. 10 (Step S620) ends. That isbecause the USB memory U3 can be removed from the USB port at any timeas long as it is unmounted. It is possible to determine whether the USBmemory U3 is attached to the USB port or not by reading the state of theUSB port even in the unmounted state.

1. An image display device which can be connected to a network,comprising: a network connection unit performing communication throughthe network; a USB connection unit to which a USB memory can beconnected; a writing unit writing setup information necessary for setupof communication with the image display device through the network inthe USB memory connected to the USB connection unit so as to be readablefrom another device which is different from the image display device;and a display unit displaying images by receiving given image data fromthe another device which is allowed to perform communication through thenetwork by reading the setup information and performing setup concerningthe network when the USB memory removed from the image display device isconnected to the another device after the setup information is written.